BRIEFS from BARWIN
From the Desk of Sarasota
City Manager Tom Barwin
September 18, 2015
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
We're now starting to see the round in the future roundabout at Orange Ave. and Main St.  Last week, Jon F. Swift Construction installed the inner wall where a public art sculpture will be placed.  And, this week, crews began laying brick pavers around the roundabout. A significant portion of the work that's been done over the past several weeks is hidden underground in the form of extensive utility improvements.  As of this writing, the schedule is looking good and providing there aren't any weather issues or unexpected hiccups, the contractor expects to have the intersection partially re-opened by September 30 as originally planned. 

 MEETINGS NEXT WEEK

  • General Employees' Pension Plan Board of Trustees
    Mon., September 21 - 8:30 a.m.
    City Hall - Commission Chambers
    Agenda 
  • Special City Commission
    Mon., September 21 - 1 p.m.
    City Hall - Commission Chambers
    Agenda 
  • City Commission
    Mon., September 21 - 2:30 p.m. & 6 p.m.
    City Hall - Commission Chambers
    Agenda
  • Downtown Improvement District
    Tues., September 22 - 9 a.m.
    City Hall - SRQ Media Studio
    Agenda
  • Human Relations Board
    Tues., September 22 - 2 p.m.
    City Hall - Commission Chambers
    Agenda
  • Firefighters' Pension Plan Board of Trustees
    Wed., September 23 - 9 a.m.
    City Hall - Commission Chambers
    Agenda
  • Police Complaint Cmte
    Wed., September 23 - 5:30 p.m.
    City Hall Annex - SRQ Media Studio
    Agenda
  • Bobby Jones Golf Club Study Cmte
    Thurs., September 24 - 4 p.m.
    City Hall Annex - SRQ Media Studio
    Agenda

     
City Career Opportunities
Opportunity, Just Ahead Green Road Sign with Copy Room Over The Dramatic Clouds and Sky.
 
Lobby Attendant
Police Officer, 2nd Class
      Windows System Administrator        
                                    

This Week's Items to Know:
1.
Bobby Jones Golf Club - New Greens   We have some good news  for golfers who prefer playing the British Course at our historic municipal course Bobby Jones Golf Club.  All 18 greens on the British Course, and two practice greens, are being revitalized with new turf.  That means the course is temporarily closed -- but, all golfers can be accommodated on the American Course, the City's other 18-hole course.

Not only will the new turf allow for a more accurate roll of the ball, it will be more pleasing to the eye for golfers who enjoy putting on a vibrant green turf all year (without the annual over-seeding maintenance).
Grading the #12 green on the British Course. 
 
The revitalization process is rather lengthy and involves ensuring
the old turf cannot grow by removing it, tilling and sterilizing the soil,
and rolling out new sod.   

With the rapid deterioration of the greens resulting in a decline
in rounds being played on the British Course, this capital
investment was necessary while staff continues to work with
the Bobby Jones Golf Club Study Committee on a long range plan
for the complex.

In the meantime, we expect the new greens will be unveiled next month in time for the Women's Better Ball Open (weather permitting, of course).

2.
Bobby Jones - Women's Better Ball Open   Registration is now open for the Women's Better Ball Open which will be held the weekend of October 10th.

This is the second year for this 2-day competitive tournament and up to 60 women are expected to participate.  The first round is scheduled to be played on the American Course and the second and final round will be held on the British Course (providing installation of the new turf is finished).

The entry fee is $175 per team and entries must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, October 5.  For more details, including a registration form, click here.   

3.
SPD Blue + You = Car Burglar Caught; Safety Reminder   At a news conference this morning, the Sarasota Police Department announced that a suspect believed to be responsible for dozens of recent car burglaries was arrested and over $20,000 worth of property was recovered.  That's some good police work by our SPD!  It also highlights the significant impact just one burglar can have on a community.

Many -- if not all -- of these car burglaries could have been prevented.  Last week, 37 burglaries were reported throughout the city limits.  And, in all 37 cases, the vehicle was unlocked.  So, SPD is offering this simple safety reminder:  Lock Before You Leave!

Typically, car burglaries are crimes of opportunity.  Protect yourself and your belongings by taking valuables with you (or hiding them out of view) and locking your car. It will take just a split second to protect your belongings.

An informational flyer was sent to neighborhood groups this week notifying residents about the burglaries. To see the flyer and learn more about how to prevent car burglaries click here.

 
4.
Procurement Award     We're celebrating the Purchasing Division this week after it was honored with the 2015 Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement® Award.  Bestowed by the National Procurement Institute, this national professional award recognizes professional knowledge and integrity. 

Comprised of just seven employees, the Purchasing team handles 3,500 purchase orders a year for everything from pens to professional services.  They also facilitate an average of 90 solicitations each year, including bids, requests for proposal and invitations to negotiate, which can be very complex.

We're fortunate to have such a dependable and professional purchasing team with the utmost integrity and ethical standards.  Congratulations to Purchasing Manager Mary Tucker and her team who, under the leadership of Finance Director John Lege, are a shining example of hard work and dedication in the civic arena!

Check out the YouTube video below to meet our award winning Purchasing team:
 
YouTube Video:  Meet the award Purchasing Division 
 


Upcoming Events 
 
Friday Fest 
FREE Outdoor Concert 
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 
Fri., September 18 
5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
(If it rains, the concert will be held inside.)
Details 
 
On the Move Walk 
J.D. Hamel Park & Ringling Bridge
Sat., September 19
9 a.m. - Noon
Details

Blue + You = Movie Night 
FREE Movie:  "Cars 2"
SPD Headquarters - 2099 Adams Lane
Sat., September 19
8 p.m.
Details

Global Mala Day Celebration 
Lido Beach
Sun., September 20
7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.

Serenity in Motion 
Bayfront Community Center
Sun., September 20
10 a.m. - Noon

NFL Punt, Pass & Kick
Robert L. Taylor Community Complex
Mon., September 21
7 p.m.
Details
 
Folk Dancers 
Bayfront Community Center
Wed., September 23
7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. 
 
Senior Ballroom Dancing
Bayfront Community Center
Thurs., September 24
10 a.m. - Noon

Scottish Dancers 
Bayfront Community Center
Thurs., September 24
7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.  
            

Van Wezel:  Shows on Sale Now! 
Van Wezel Interior

The following is a list of shows through February 2016.  To view the entire Van Wezel season visit www.VanWezel.org 


Friday Fest: Reverend Barry & Funktastic Soul
Featuring The Hellacious Horns
Fri., Sept. 18 - 5 p.m. 
Free Outdoor Concert

John Cleese and Eric Idle
Thurs., October 1 - 7:30 p.m.
Fri., October 2 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets

Shen Yun Orchestra 
The Shen Yun Orchestra will be at the Van Wezel on Oct. 13.
Tues., October 13 - 7:30 p.m. 
Tickets
Beauty and the Beast
Wed., October 14 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets

Rick Springfield
Thurs., October 15 - 8 p.m.

The Ultimate Doo Wop Show
Sat., October 24 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

So You Think You Can Dance
Thurs., October 29 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

All Hands On Deck
Wed., November 4 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

America's Got Talent Live:  The All-Stars Tour!
Thurs., November 5 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Lewis Black:  The Rant is Due:  Part Deux
Fri., November 13 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Cirque Dreams ~ Holidaze
Sat., November 14 - 8 p.m.
Tickets 

Straight No Chaser
Creedence Clearwater Revisited
will perform on Nov. 21. 
Thurs., November 19 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Creedence Clearwater Revisited
Sat., November 21 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Dave Koz Christmas Tour 2015
Fri., November 27 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Craig Ferguson:  The New Deal Tour
Tues., December 1 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Daryl Hall & John Oates
Wed., December 2 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Kenny G 
Thurs., December 3 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Women of Ireland ~ Celtic Angels' Christmas 
Thurs., December 10 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Carrot Top 
Sat., December 12 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Bowzer's Rock & Roll Holiday Party 
Sun., December 13 - 7 p.m.
Tickets

A Christmas Carol 
Wed., December 23 - 7 p.m.
Tickets 

Moscow Ballet:  Great Russian Nutcracker
Mon., December 28 - 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Tickets

The Producers
Wed., December 30 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

The Ten Tenors
Thurs., December 31 - 8 p.m.
Tickets
 
Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert
Sun., January 3, 2016 - 7 p.m.
Tickets

Masters of Illusion - Believe the Impossible
Thurs., February 4, 2016 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets 

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
Tues., January 5, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Wed., January 6, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets 
'Black Violin' will be at the Van Wezel on Jan. 12.

Black Violin
Tues., January 12, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Jim Witter - The Piano Men II
Wed., January 13, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Catskills on Broadway
Thurs., January 14, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Lisa Lampanelli
Fri., January 15, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Air Supply
Sat., January 16, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Paul Anka
Sun., January 17, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

DL Hughley
Mon., January 18, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

42nd Street
Wed., January 20, 2016 - 8 p.m.
DL Hughley will be at the Van Wezel on Jan. 18.

Thurs., January 21, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Wynonna & The Big Noise: Stories & Song
Sun., January 24, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

ABBA Mania
Mon., January 25, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Renee Fleming with the Sarasota Orchestra
Wed., January 27, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Dancing With The Stars:  LIVE!
Fri., January 29, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Joshua Bell
Sat., January 30, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Yanni
Tues., February 2 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Masters of Illusion - Believe the Impossible
Thurs., February 4 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets 
The Book of Mormon will be at the Van Wezel Feb. 9-14.

The Book of Mormon
February 9 - 12, 2016:  8 p.m.
Sat., February 13, 2016:  2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Sun., February 14, 2016:  1:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Tickets

Neil Berg's 107 Years of Broadway
Wed., February 17, 2016 - 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Tickets

Michael Feinstein and his 17-Piece Band
Thurs., February 18, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Patti LaBelle
Tues., February 23, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Moscow Festival Ballet - Cinderella
Wed., February 24, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

The Beach Boys
Thurs., February 25, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Vince Gill & Lyle Lovett
Fri., February 26, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Kristin Chenoweth
Sat., February 27, 2016 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

To purchase tickets over the phone call 941-953-3368 or stop by the Box Office at 777 N.Tamiami Trail. 

For a complete schedule of events, visit www.VanWezel.org.
Thanks for reading this week's edition.  If you'd like to receive Weekly Briefs directly to your inbox click 'Join Our Mailing List' below or send us an email at CityNews@SarasotaGov.com. 

Tom Barwin
City Manager
941-954-4102